Days turned into weeks, and Ryuto Velclair slowly became accustomed to life in the Velclair estate. The routine of being a noble's son had its perks, though most of those perks were currently lost on him, given that he was still a baby. But, as with all things, Ryuto had his ways of making use of the situation, all while keeping up the charade of an innocent infant.
The Velclair family's daily schedule was strict. The servants moved with military precision, ensuring that every detail of life ran smoothly. Ryuto was bathed, fed, dressed, and placed in his crib or carried around by Nanny Elara at specific times, almost like clockwork.
Most babies would have been helpless in this environment, but Ryuto wasn't most babies. The fact that he was mentally a 21-year-old man in an infant's body gave him the advantage of knowing exactly what was going on, and more importantly, how to take advantage of it. The smartphone under his blanket was still his greatest weapon, though he had to be careful about using it. The last thing he needed was for someone to catch him fiddling with modern technology and start asking questions he couldn't answer.
For now, his primary focus was on staying unnoticed. His father, Duke Alphonse, was an imposing man who clearly had no patience for weakness, and Ryuto still had to tread carefully around his siblings, especially Edwin, whose cold stare seemed to linger a little too long for comfort. The less attention he drew to himself, the better.
Ryuto lay in his crib, staring at the high ceiling of his luxurious nursery. He could hear the faint sounds of the estate outside his room, the distant voices of the servants, the rustle of noblewomen's dresses as they passed by, and the steady clip of boots as guards patrolled the estate grounds.
"One day, I'll walk through those halls on my own two feet," Ryuto thought, shifting slightly under the blanket. "But first, I need to get out of this damn crib."
His Strength had increased slightly, thanks to his makeshift "training" sessions, but it wasn't enough to get him crawling yet. He still had the body of a baby, after all, and no amount of sheer willpower was going to let him walk before his muscles were ready.
With a small sigh, he carefully reached for the smartphone hidden under the blanket. The glow of the screen lit up his face as he swiped through his apps. He opened the Stats App again, hoping for some kind of breakthrough.
Stats:
- Strength: 4
- Agility: 3
- Mana: 9999
- Magic Control: 12
- Affection Points: Celeste: 75, Edwin: 55, Elara: 80, Seraphina: 95
His Strength was creeping up, and he could feel the difference when he tried to lift objects now, but it wasn't fast enough. He needed more mobility, more control over his environment, but everything was happening at the frustratingly slow pace of early childhood.
Ryuto flicked through a few more screens, then closed the Stats App with a huff of impatience. Just as he was about to tuck the phone back under his blanket, the door to the nursery opened, and Nanny Elara stepped in.
"Good morning, young Master Ryuto," she cooed softly as she approached the crib, her gentle hands reaching down to scoop him up.
Elara's presence had become a constant in Ryuto's life, and while her doting care made his existence more bearable, it also came with challenges. She was always watching him, always nearby, and that made sneaking in smartphone sessions a little tricky. Still, she was easy to manipulate in her own way. Ryuto had already noticed that if he giggled at just the right moment or looked especially cute, Elara's affection for him would spike.
Today was no different. She lifted him out of the crib, her touch gentle as always, and carried him over to the window. The sun streamed through the tall, glass panes, casting warm light over the nursery. Elara's dark hair was neatly tied back as usual, and her maid's uniform was spotless, as though she took pride in maintaining the image of the Velclair household. She held Ryuto in her arms, swaying slightly as she looked out over the estate grounds.
"It's a lovely day outside, Master Ryuto," she murmured, her voice soft and soothing. "One day, you'll be able to walk those grounds yourself."
Ryuto, meanwhile, stared out the window with his best baby-like gaze. He knew better than to show any sign of his true thoughts. In Elara's eyes, he was still the sweet, innocent child of the Velclair family. That was how he wanted it to stay, at least for now.
The door creaked again, and this time, Lady Seraphina stepped into the nursery, her graceful figure silhouetted in the sunlight.
"Ah, there's my little Ryuto," she said, her voice warm and full of affection. She crossed the room in a few elegant strides, her sapphire gown rustling as she approached. "And how is he this morning, Elara?"
"He's been an angel, my Lady," Elara replied, smiling down at Ryuto. "He's always so well-behaved."
Ryuto barely managed to suppress an internal eye roll. "Of course I'm well-behaved. I'm plotting my rise to power in my head while you all coddle me."
Lady Seraphina leaned down and placed a soft kiss on his forehead, her golden hair falling in waves around her face. The scent of lavender clung to her, a comforting fragrance that had quickly become a part of Ryuto's daily life.
"You're going to grow up strong, aren't you, my little Ryuto?" she whispered, brushing a hand over his dark hair. "Just like your father."
Ryuto resisted the urge to snort. "I don't think 'just like my father' is the goal here, but sure, let's go with that."
Lady Seraphina lingered for a moment longer, then straightened up and turned to Elara. "I'll leave him in your care, Elara. I have some business to attend to."
Elara nodded respectfully as Lady Seraphina exited the room, leaving the two of them alone once again. The routine was beginning to feel all too familiar, morning bath, playtime, feeding. For an overpowered reincarnated baby, the daily schedule was downright boring.
But it wouldn't be like this forever. Ryuto knew that. He just had to wait.
Later that day, as part of the routine, Nanny Elara carried Ryuto out into the estate's gardens for his afternoon stroll. The air was crisp, and the sky a bright, flawless blue. Ryuto took it all in as Elara pushed his ornate stroller along the cobblestone paths, the sounds of birds chirping and the faint trickle of a fountain filling the quiet atmosphere.
Out of the corner of his eye, Ryuto noticed Celeste sitting by the fountain, a book in her lap and her silver hair shimmering in the sunlight. She was humming softly to herself, completely absorbed in whatever she was reading. Ryuto considered her carefully, noting the way she occasionally glanced up at him, smiling warmly whenever their eyes met.
"She's a sweetheart, but there's something about her that doesn't add up. That late-night visit… she's hiding something."
Elara paused beside the fountain, adjusting Ryuto's blanket as she greeted Celeste. "Good afternoon, Lady Celeste. Enjoying your reading?"
Celeste smiled brightly and closed her book. "Yes, Elara, thank you. It's such a lovely day, I couldn't resist sitting out here for a bit."
Elara nodded, her hands still fussing over Ryuto. "Master Ryuto's enjoying the fresh air as well. He's always so calm during our walks."
Ryuto, meanwhile, was doing his best to look like a peaceful baby, but inside, he was still scheming. Celeste's affection level was high enough for him to exploit if he needed to, but for now, he would continue playing the part of the innocent younger brother.
"Can I hold him for a bit?" Celeste asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Elara hesitated for a moment, then smiled. "Of course, Lady Celeste."
Celeste reached down and gently lifted Ryuto out of the stroller, cradling him in her arms with surprising ease. Her grip was firm but gentle, and she held him close, swaying slightly as she hummed a soft tune.
"There you are, little Ryuto," she whispered, her voice filled with affection. "You're going to grow up to be so strong, I just know it."
Ryuto, now nestled against Celeste's chest, felt a mix of embarrassment and amusement. On the one hand, being cradled like this was oddly comforting. On the other hand, he was a grown man trapped in a baby's body, and the irony of the situation wasn't lost on him.
"This is ridiculous," he thought, letting out a small sigh. "But if this is what it takes to stay under the radar for now, so be it."
As they strolled through the lush, carefully maintained gardens of the Velclair estate, Ryuto found himself surprisingly at ease. The gentle breeze ruffled the leaves of towering oak trees, and the scent of blooming flowers lingered in the air. It was a serene, almost picturesque setting, the kind of noble luxury that Ryuto never could've imagined while living his past life as a NEET.
Celeste continued humming, occasionally bouncing Ryuto lightly in her arms as she wandered toward the estate's fountain. She sat on the cool stone edge, her smile radiant as she gazed down at him.
"You're going to grow up to be so strong, Ryuto," she murmured, brushing a lock of his dark hair aside. "I just know it."
Ryuto blinked up at her, playing along with his best baby expression. He was starting to get the hang of this; a well-timed coo here, a smile there, and people melted. Celeste's doting was easy to manipulate, and he knew it would pay off in the future. For now, he'd enjoy the peace and quiet of the garden while his mind raced with ideas for what lay ahead.
But as Celeste held him close, something shifted in the atmosphere. Ryuto sensed it almost immediately, a presence. He looked around, his tiny eyes scanning the garden. Before he could pinpoint the source, a familiar voice interrupted the tranquility.
"Well, well, if it isn't little Ryuto, the family's new pride and joy."
Ryuto's eyes narrowed ever so slightly. Edwin, his older brother, approached with his usual measured steps, his expression unreadable as always. His dark hair was slicked back, and he wore the polished uniform of a nobleman, though he carried himself with the rigid posture of someone constantly preparing for battle.
"Edwin," Celeste greeted him warmly, though there was a flicker of tension in her tone. "What brings you out here?"
Edwin glanced down at Ryuto, his cold blue eyes flicking over him as if assessing him like a piece of property.
"I heard you were out here with the baby," Edwin replied. "Thought I'd check in."
Ryuto inwardly sighed. Of all the people he needed to win over in the Velclair family, Edwin was going to be the most difficult. Unlike Celeste, who was soft and emotional, Edwin valued strength, discipline, and results. And right now, Ryuto was nothing more than a wriggling baby in his eyes.
"He's doing wonderfully," Celeste said, her voice bright. "I've been taking him on these walks every day. He loves being outside."
Edwin snorted softly, crossing his arms. "He's too soft. If you keep treating him like that, he'll never grow strong."
Ryuto resisted the urge to roll his eyes. "Oh, here we go again. Big brother's lecture about strength. As if I'm supposed to be lifting weights in this body."
"I'm not going to train him like a soldier, Edwin. He's still a baby," Celeste replied, a touch of exasperation creeping into her voice.
"Softness won't serve him well in this world," Edwin said, his gaze sharpening as he looked at Ryuto. "Father will expect him to be strong. You can't coddle him forever."
Ryuto remained silent, watching the exchange between his siblings with calculated detachment. Let them argue, he thought. The more distracted they are, the better for me.
"I'm not coddling him," Celeste insisted, holding Ryuto closer, as if to shield him from Edwin's scrutiny. "I'm taking care of him. He'll grow up to be strong in his own way."
Edwin's jaw tightened slightly, but he didn't argue further. Instead, he glanced at Ryuto one more time before turning away. "We'll see. Just don't let him grow up weak."
As Edwin walked off, Celeste let out a small sigh, her arms relaxing around Ryuto. "Don't listen to him, Ryuto," she whispered. "You'll be strong, no matter what."
Ryuto felt a wave of warmth in her words, but beneath that, his mind was already spinning. Edwin's expectations were clear, and he wasn't going to let them define him. Strength wasn't just about physical power, there were far more valuable tools at his disposal. Tools like his smartphone, his intelligence, and his ability to manipulate those around him.
"You may see me as weak now, Edwin," Ryuto thought, watching his brother disappear around the corner of the estate. "But when the time comes, I'll be the one in control."
As Celeste resumed her gentle humming, Ryuto settled back into her arms, biding his time. He knew that strength would come, but for now, playing the role of the sweet, innocent baby was the best strategy he had. Let them think he was harmless. Let them underestimate him.
Because when the time came, Ryuto Velclair would be ready to take over everything.
The day passed uneventfully after Edwin's departure, leaving Ryuto to his thoughts as Celeste hummed and carried him back inside the mansion. The estate's grand hallways, with their marble floors and towering columns, blurred as they passed, but Ryuto's mind was preoccupied with bigger things.
"Edwin's a brute with no imagination. Celeste is sweet, but she's not exactly subtle. Father…" Ryuto shuddered inwardly at the thought of Duke Alphonse. "I'll deal with him when I'm ready. For now, I'll play the part of the cute baby and let them underestimate me."
As Celeste brought him back to the nursery, Ryuto let his baby instincts take over, dozing off slightly in her arms. By the time she gently laid him down in his crib and whispered a soft goodbye, Ryuto was already planning his next move.
When Ryuto woke, the nursery was quiet. Nanny Elara had finished her duties and left the room for a while, leaving him alone. The soft glow of late afternoon filtered through the tall windows, casting long shadows across the room. This was the perfect time.
With the grace of a ninja, albeit a very tiny one, Ryuto wriggled beneath his blankets and retrieved his smartphone. The soft blue light illuminated his face, and he quickly opened the Stats App. He'd made progress with his Strength and Agility, but his Mana was still absurdly high and uncontrollable.
"I've got the potential to be the most overpowered mage this world has ever seen, but I can't even handle a basic spell without turning the nursery into a crater," he thought with a sigh.
He scrolled through his available quests and paused on one he'd been avoiding for a while: "Magical Control."
Quest: Magical Control
- Objective: Practice using Mana without causing collateral damage.
- Reward: +50 Magic Control, 50 XP.
"If I want to survive in this world, I need to control my magic. No point in having 9999 Mana if I can't use it." He knew he had to find a way to practice, but the problem was finding a place where he wouldn't accidentally blow up the entire estate. Even a small spell could trigger chaos.
He glanced around the nursery. The space was cozy but not exactly ideal for magical training. He needed something… more isolated. Somewhere far away from the mansion's eyes and ears.
"If I can get outside… maybe at night? Or, "
Before he could finish his thought, the nursery door creaked open again, and Nanny Elara stepped in. Ryuto's hand immediately shot under the blanket, hiding the phone. His heart raced for a moment, but he managed to calm himself quickly. Play innocent. Always play innocent.
Elara walked over to the crib with a gentle smile, unaware of how close she'd come to catching him in the act.
"How's my little Master Ryuto?" she cooed, reaching down to pick him up. Her arms were warm, and she held him with the same care she always did. Elara had become a constant presence in his life, and though she was no Celeste in terms of doting affection, her bond with him was undeniable. She was trustworthy. Loyal to the Velclair family.
That loyalty, however, was a double-edged sword. She'd never suspect that her precious young master was secretly plotting his future rise to power, and Ryuto intended to keep it that way.
Elara carried him toward the window, rocking him gently as she gazed out at the estate's sprawling gardens below. The sun was starting to set, casting an orange glow over the landscape.
"It's such a peaceful evening, isn't it?" Elara said softly, more to herself than to Ryuto. He gurgled in response, earning a soft chuckle from her.
But Ryuto wasn't focused on the gardens or the sunset. His mind was still locked on how he could sneak out at night and practice his magic without raising suspicion. He needed an excuse to be out of the nursery, something that wouldn't make Elara or Celeste question his whereabouts.
"Maybe if I make a fuss at night? Cry a little, make it seem like I need some fresh air? They're bound to bring me outside eventually."
It wasn't a perfect plan, but it was a start. The key to any great strategy was patience, and Ryuto had all the time in the world.
As Elara swayed back and forth, Ryuto let himself relax. No point in rushing things. He'd wait until the right moment presented itself. Once it did, he'd start practicing his magic and build the control he needed to stop being a walking disaster.
Later that night, after the nursery routine had been completed, Ryuto found himself once again in the grand dining hall with his family. He was seated in a high chair, his view of the table dominated by the towering figures of his siblings and parents. Duke Alphonse sat at the head of the table, his cold, calculating gaze surveying the room like a king inspecting his kingdom.
"Yup. Definitely a tyrant in the making," Ryuto thought, his tiny hands gripping a spoon that Elara had placed in front of him.
Dinner was a formal affair, as always. Celeste and Edwin sat across from one another, exchanging occasional glances but mostly keeping to themselves. The conversation was light, mostly small talk about the estate's affairs and upcoming events. Ryuto tuned most of it out, using the time to observe his family dynamics.
Duke Alphonse barely spoke, but when he did, everyone listened. His words were clipped, direct, and full of authority. Even Celeste, who was usually so bubbly and confident, seemed to shrink under his gaze. Edwin, on the other hand, sat straight and stiff, clearly eager to impress their father.
Ryuto's role in all of this? To look cute, occasionally babble, and pretend he wasn't cataloging every scrap of information he could use later.
Just as dinner was winding down, something unexpected happened.
The door to the dining hall burst open, and a servant rushed in, looking flustered. Ryuto's eyes narrowed slightly, curious.
"Forgive the interruption, Your Grace," the servant said, bowing quickly before addressing Duke Alphonse. "There's… a situation in the village. Some of the livestock have been… well, it's hard to explain, but they're saying it's something unnatural."
Duke Alphonse frowned, his gaze darkening. "What do you mean, 'unnatural'?"
The servant hesitated, clearly struggling to find the right words. "The villagers say… something's been attacking the animals. They don't know what it is, but it's leaving scorch marks, like fire, but there's no sign of burning."
Ryuto's interest piqued. Scorch marks? No fire? That sounded like something magical. Very magical.
"I'll deal with it," Edwin said quickly, rising from his seat with a determined expression.
"No," Duke Alphonse said, his voice cutting through the room like a blade. "I'll handle this myself. There's no need for you to get involved in every minor disturbance, Edwin."
Edwin clenched his jaw but didn't argue. Instead, he sat back down, his eyes flicking toward Ryuto for a brief moment before turning away.
As the Duke stood and prepared to leave, Ryuto couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. Whatever was happening in the village wasn't just a coincidence. Something magical was at play, and if he could find a way to investigate it, without blowing his cover, it could be the perfect opportunity to test his own powers.
"This might be exactly what I need," he thought, watching as the Duke and a group of guards left the dining hall.
Ryuto knew he couldn't act yet. Not as a baby. But soon enough, he'd have his chance to explore the magical mysteries surrounding the Velclair estate. And when that time came, he'd be ready.
For now, he'd bide his time. Patience was key. After all, a great schemer always knew when to strike.